STORRS, Conn. -- Jason Candle spent 17 years at Toledo, the final 10 as head coach, winning two MAC titles and developing 13 NFL draft picks. He made an underrated move to UConn, taking over a team that had back-to-back 9-win seasons under Jim Mora, now at Colorado State.

Candle raved about local pizza, his first pitch at Fenway Park, and his rapport with a UConn Hall of Fame coach. "Energized is the word," he said of the change. "Toledo was great... but I'm excited for change."

He praised UConn's foundation, facilities, administration, and alignment. "We have a great foundation of what it takes to be successful," Candle said. He noted the department's culture, especially basketball's dominance. "Basketball is a monster here," he said. "You either lean into that or run from that." Candle emphasized adapting to college football's movement and embracing change.